A roll-on roll-off (RoRo) skip is a large open or enclosed container which is typically 20 or 40 cubic yards and delivered and collected by a hook-loader lorry. They’re built for high volumes of bulky waste on commercial and industrial sites, holding roughly 200 bin bags (20-yard) to 400+ bin bags (40-yard).
RoRo skip sizes
| Size | Approx. capacity | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 20 yard | ~200 bin bags | Ongoing site waste, factory/warehouse clear-outs, heavier bulky loads |
| 40 yard | 400+ bin bags | High-volume light waste on industrial and commercial sites |
RoRos come as open-top (easy loading of bulky items) or enclosed (secure, weatherproof, ideal for light or wind-blown waste). A 40-yard is best for light, bulky waste. And why is that? It’s because weight limits, not space, become the limit on heavy materials like soil and rubble.
When should a site choose a RoRo over a builders skip?
Choose a RoRo when a standard 8-yard builders skip would need swapping too often. One RoRo can replace several skip exchanges, cutting lorry movements and cost on a busy site. For heavy waste like soil, rubble and aggregates, a smaller skip or a grab lorry is usually more suitable because of weight limits.
Access and delivery
RoRo lorries need firm, level ground and enough clear length to lower and collect the container and more room than a standard skip wagon. If access is tight, tell us in advance and we’ll confirm the right vehicle or suggest an alternative.
Ongoing site waste?
For live sites we can set up a regular RoRo exchange so a full container is swapped for an empty one on your schedule, with the tonnage and recycling data to back your reporting. Select A Skip covers sites UK-wide through 1,100+ licensed suppliers.
Frequently asked questions
How big is a RoRo skip?
RoRo skips are usually 20 or 40 cubic yards — far larger than the biggest standard skip (typically 8–12 yards). A 40-yard holds 400+ bin bags.
Can I put rubble and soil in a RoRo?
Only in limited amounts. Heavy waste hits the weight limit long before the container is full, so soil and rubble are better suited to a smaller skip or a grab lorry. RoRos are ideal for light, bulky waste.
What’s the difference between an open and enclosed RoRo?
Open RoRos make loading bulky items easy; enclosed RoRos are secure and weatherproof, which suits light or wind-blown waste and materials you want to keep dry.
Do I need a permit for a RoRo?
If it sits on private land or your own site, no. If it must go on a public road, a council permit is needed — but RoRos are almost always placed on-site.
Running a busy site? Talk to us about a RoRo or a scheduled exchange and we’ll size it to your output.